Alarm apparatus



Dec. 5, 1933. Q SCHULTZ 1,938,155

ALARM APPARATUS Filed March 15, 1930 ,e/ a g 20 gwuenkoz Patented Dec. 5, 1933 UNITED STATES ALARM APPARATUS Alfred C. Schultz, Burlington, Iowa, assignor of one-half to Emil Baumle, Burlington, Iowa Application March 13, 1930. Serial No. 435,616

1 Claim.

The present invention relates to alarm apparatus and more particularly to alarms adapted for use by individuals who are unable to hear ordinary alarm or sounding devices.

An object of this invention is to provide a device which is particularly adapted to be used by deaf individuals or the like and which may be used in combination with a conventional clock or timing element so as to actuate the alarm at a predetermined time.

Another object of this invention is to provide in combination with a clock, means by which an alarm device, consisting particularly of lights or the like, may be actuated at a predetermined time.

A further object of this invention is to provide an attachment for use with conventional clocks or timing devices.

The above and various other objects and advantages of this invention will in part be described in and in part be understood from the following detailed description of the present preferred embodiment, the same being illustrated in the accompanying drawing wherein:-

Figure 1 is a detail rear elevation of a device constructed according to the preferred embodiment of this invention, part of the device being shown diagrammatically;

Figure 2 is a view in elevation of the switch; and

Figure 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the switch arm.

Referring to the drawing wherein like numerals of reference designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, the numeral 11 designates a conventional clock or timing device.

A switch generally designated as 14 is mounted below the clock 11. The switch member 14 comprises a pair of resilient contact members 1'7. The contact members 17 are interposed in an electrical circuit or cord, one member 18 of which is secured to a suitable source of electrical supply or, if desired, may be attached to a conventional plug; and another wire or electrical conduit 19 is secured to the other electrode 1'7 and is likewise connected to a suitable source of electrical supply or, if desired, to the opposite terminal of an electric plug.

A socket member 20 of conventional construction is interposed in the electrical line 19 and if desired, a number of sockets 20 may be interposed in the line 19, the sockets 20 being adapted to receive suitable lighting members or lamps 21.

If desired, the lamps 21 may be provided with suitable reflectors or shades so as to project the light in the desired direction, it of course being understood that the device herein disclosed is particularly adapted for use by deaf individuals or individuals who have been deprived of the G0 normal hearing capacities so that an ordinary alarm clock would not awaken the individuals at the desired time. However, it is a well known fact that individuals who have been deprived of certain of their normal faculties, especially their 5 hearing, are particularly sensitive to light.

The alarm circuit herein disclosed is adapted for operation by means of a swinging lever 22 which is secured to the switch 14 and extends upwardly therefrom. The upper end portion of the lever 22 is provided with a transversely disposed member 24, and when the lever 22 is rocked a cam member 25 is adapted to contact with one of the electrodes 17 so as to force the electrodes into contact with each other, thereby closing the lighting circuit.

An arm 26 is adapted to be secured as by bolts or screws 27 to the conventional alarm elements of the clock member 11, and if desired may be secured to the winding key or member 28 of the alarm clock so that when the alarm is actuated, the arm 26 will be rotated therewith, the outer end portion of the arm 26 being adapted to contact with the upper end portion of the lever 22 so as to swing the lever 22 and thereby close the switch 14.

If desired, an electrical cord 29 may be interposed in the electrical line 19 and a movable socket member 30 secured thereto, the socket member 30 being adapted to be positioned in a convenient location as over the head of the bed, or be provided with a reflector or the like for directing the light upon the face of the individual.

In the operation of this device, the alarm portion of the clock 11 may be set to go off at a predetermined time, and the lever 22 moved so that the electrodes 17 will be out of contact with each other.

When the alarm portion of the clock goes off at the predetermined time, the rotatable arm 26 will swing about the pivotal key28 on the clock 11 and will contact with the upper portion 24 of the swinging lever 22. The swinging of the lever 22 105 will cooperatively swing or rock the cam member 25, thereby forcing the upper of the electrodes 17 into contact with the lower electrode, thereby closing the electrical circuit and permitting the currtmt t0 flow through the lighting circuit and light the lamps which are interposed within the circuit.

The lever 22 is provided with an extension 31 which is connected at one end to the lever 22 and extends laterally so that the lever 22 may be set when this mechanism is mounted in a closed casing. In order to facilitate the winding 01 the clock, the lever 26 may be hinged intermediate its ends as at 32.

It is, of course, understood that various changes and modifications may be made in the details of construction and design of the above specifically described embodiment of this invention and that any number of socket members may be interposed 

